H. Gerald Summers

H. Gerald Summers MARION- H. Gerald Summers, 88, of Marion passed away at 10:25 AM, Monday, September 17, 2007 at his home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, September 19, 2007 at Blue Funeral Home in Marion with Reverend Gilbert Craig and Reverend Gordon Smith officiating. Visitation will be from noon until the time of the service on Wednesday. Burial will be at Maplewood Cemetery in Marion. Military rites will be held by VFW Post 1301, American Legion Post 147 and the National Guard. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois; envelopes are available at the funeral home or may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, PO Box 411, Marion, IL 62959. Mr. Summers was born January 29, 1919 in West Frankfort, Illinois to Ben and Lula (McCamie) Summers. He married Iva Dell Motsinger in 1940; together they enjoyed 67 years of marriage. Survivors include his wife, Iva Dell Summers of Marion; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Don and Joy King. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Patrick Summers; and an infant daughter, Glenda Lou Summers. Mr. Summers attended New Horizons Baptist Church in Marion. He served his country as a Sea Bee during World War II stationed in the South Pacific for 2 ½ years. He worked in the coal mines for several years and later worked at Stepan Chemicals in Joliet, retiring after 21 years of service.